Food packaging, particularly for dairy or cheese products, and associated manufacturing method

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a food packaging (10), particularly for milk or cheese products (20), comprising two hollow shells (12, 14), each of the two shells (12, 14) having a plane of symmetry (S) and extending to a predetermined depth (p12, p14) and having predetermined thickness (e), the joining plane (16) being substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry (S), said packaging being characterized by the fact that at least one of the two shells (12, 14) has a depth (p12, p14), measured in said plane of symmetry (S), that is greater than or equal to its thickness (e) measured in the joining plane (16). The invention also relates to a method of producing a food packaging (10), in particular for milk or cheese products (20).

The invention concerns a food packaging, particularly for dairy or cheese products. The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing a food packaging.

It is known to package portions of cheese products with aluminium films. It is also known to provide rigid, or semi-rigid packaging, in plastic or in wax.

In the case of known packaging, the user must often use cutlery (knife, spoon) to consume the cheese product once the packaging is open. In the case of cheese products, sufficiently consistent to not spread once out of their packaging, it is also known that the user uses his fingers to serve himself, particularly in the scope of mini portions of cheese products. Children are generally not bothered by such a use. This is not the case for adults.

It has thus been proposed to present such cheese products on sticks, inside shells, to make sure they are consumed without touching the product once the shells have been peeled off.

One of the aims of the invention is to provide a food packaging, particularly for dairy or cheese products, making it possible for the user to consume the dairy or cheese product without using his fingers to hold it.

Thus, the invention concerns a food packaging, particularly for dairy or cheese products, comprising two hollow shells, each of the two shells presenting a plane of symmetry and extending on a predefined depth and thickness, the packaging being configured to occupy two positions, a first position, called rest position, in which the two shells are sealed to each other along a joining plane so as to form a single inner space intended to receive a portion of cheese product occupying substantially all of said inner space, said joining plane being substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry, and a second position, called use position, in which the two shells are separated so as to make it possible for an access to said portion of cheese product.

According to the invention, at least one of said two shells presents a depth, measured in said plane of symmetry, that is greater than or equal to its thickness, measured in said joining plane.

The food packaging of the invention comprises two shells, one of which at least presents a depth greater than or equal to its thickness. This makes it possible to provide a packaging with a specific shape. Once in the use position, i.e. once that shells are separated from each other, the dairy or cheese product can be maintained using the shell which presents a depth greater than or equal to its thickness. In other words, the user can consume the dairy or cheese product by holding it by this shell, this without having to use his fingers to hold the product.

This advantage is made possible by the shape given to at least one of said two shells, said shell presenting a depth which could be non-negligible.

According to different embodiments of the invention, which can be taken together or separately:

-   -   said two shells each present a depth measured in said plane of         symmetry which is greater than or equal to its own thickness,         measured in said joining plane,     -   said two shells are in plastic material,     -   the two shells are two identical half-shells, such that said         inner space has a volume equally distributed between the two         shells,     -   the two shells are two non-identical half-shells, such that said         inner space has a volume unequally distributed between the two         shells,     -   in the rest position, the two shells form a sphere,     -   each of the two shells present two substantially flat faces,     -   said two faces are situated on either side of the plane of         symmetry,     -   said two faces extend according to a direction, substantially         parallel to said plane of symmetry,     -   in the rest position, the two shells present an assembly having         a circular shape in the plane of symmetry,     -   in the rest position, the two shells present an assembly having         an almond shape, or substantially triangular, in the plane of         symmetry.

The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing a food packaging, particularly for dairy or cheese products, comprising the following steps:

a) thermoforming of at least one plastic film reel so as to obtain two hollow shells, each of two shells presenting a plane of symmetry and extending on a predefined depth and thickness, the depth of one of said two shells, measured in said plane of symmetry, being greater than or equal to its thickness, measured in a plane, orthogonal to said plane of symmetry,

b) sealing of the two shells along a joining plane so as to form a single inner space intended to receive a portion of cheese product substantially occupying all of said inner space, with creation of a dosing neck,

c) dosing, via said dosing neck, of the cheese product so as to fill all the space formed between the two shells.

According to different embodiments of the invention, which can be taken together or separately:

-   -   the dosing of step c) is carried out at a temperature greater         than 70° C., particularly between 72° C. and 95° C.,     -   the method of the invention further comprises the following         steps:

d) sealing and closing of the neck,

e) cutting of the shells so as to form a sealing strip protruding from said shells, at the level of the joining plane, outside of said inner space, and furthermore so as to for the tabs configured to actuate the passing of the packaging from a rest position, in which the two shells are sealed to each other, to a use position, in which the two shells are separated.

The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the explanatory, detailed description below of at least one embodiment of the invention, given as a purely illustrative and non-limiting example, in reference to the appended schematic drawings:

FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c are schematic illustrations representing in an isometric way a first embodiment example of a packaging according to the invention, in the rest position, as a front view, side view, and slightly tilted side view,

FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are schematic illustrations representing in an isometric way a second embodiment example of a packaging according to the invention, in the rest position, as a front view, side view, and slightly tilted side view,

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration representing in an isometric way the packaging of FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c in the use position,

FIG. 4 is also a schematic illustration representing in an isometric way the packaging of FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c in the use position, the portion of cheese product being different with respect to that of the preceding figure,

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration schematically representing an additional embodiment example of a packaging according to the invention, in the rest position, as a front view.

As illustrated in the figures, the invention concerns a food packaging 10, particularly for dairy or cheese products 20.

By dairy or cheese product 20, this means a product that is sufficiently consistent to not spread once out of its packaging. In other words, the dairy or cheese product 20 does not presented itself in liquid form under normal temperature and pressure conditions.

The packaging 10 comprises two hollow shells 12, 14, each presenting a plane of symmetry. This plane is referenced S in the figures. For FIGS. 1a, 2a and 5, this plane is that of the sheet.

As is particularly visible in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b , said two shells 12, 14 extend on a predefined depth p12, p14 and thickness e. FIG. 3 also illustrates the depths p12, p14 of each of the shells 12, 14.

According to the invention, the depth p12, p14 measured in the plane of symmetry S is greater than or equal to the thickness e measured in a plane which would be orthogonal to said plane of symmetry S. Such an orthogonal plane is referenced P in the figures. It will be combined with a plane, called joining plane 16, below in the description.

As an example, the depth p12, p14 will be comprised between 5 and 30 mm, while the thickness e will be comprised between 5 and 20 mm.

The packaging 10 is configured to occupy two positions.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b and 2c , the packaging 10 occupies a first position, called rest- or closed position, in which the two shells 12, 14 are sealed to each other along a joining plane 16. A single inner space, is thus formed between the two shells 12, 14. In other words, the two shells 12, 14 are not provided with separators between them, for example a film or a peelable lid. Also, in other words, the inner space defined by the cavity of each of the two shells 12, 14 is free of any element creating a boundary between said shells 12, 14.

This inner space is intended to receive a portion 20 of dairy or cheese product, said portion 20 occupying substantially all of said inner space. By “portion occupying substantially all of said inner space”, it is meant a portion which takes the form of said inner space. In other words, the portion of dairy or cheese product is substantially in contact with the inner walls of the two hollow shells 12, 14 when the packaging 10 is in the rest position.

On the other hand, the joining plane 16 is substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry S.

This joining plane 16 can be curvilinear; i.e. it can draw a curve in the plane of symmetry S, this without departing from the scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the packaging 10 occupies a second position, called use- or open position, in which the two shells 12, 14 are separated so as to make it possible for an access to said portion 20 of dairy or cheese product.

This separation will be advantageously irreversible. In other words, the passing from the rest position to the use position will be one way.

On the other hand, the packaging 10 can comprise a hinge zone 17 (see FIG. 3) which will have the function of hinging the two shells 12, 14 against each other, after separation of said two shells 12, 14. This hinge zone 17 will make it possible to advantageously support the movement of the consumer during the passing from the rest position to the use position.

The packaging 10 of the invention therefore makes it possible for the user to access the portion 20 of dairy or cheese product without using his fingers, nor specific cutlery. He can indeed, with the packaging 10 of the invention, directly consume the dairy or cheese product by holding it to his mouth, one hand holding a first of the two shells 14, the other shell 12 having been disconnected from said first shell 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). To make it possible to consume all of the product 20, the user can act, furthermore, on the shell 14 that he holds to deform it and therefore push the part of the remaining product 20, this without his fingers coming into contact with the product 20.

Specifically, the two shells 12, 14 do not deform under the action of gravity, once the packaging 10 is in the use position. In other words, the two shells are sufficiently rigid, taken by themselves, to not undergo deformation with only the touch of the fingers of a user.

Said two shells 12, 14 will be advantageously provided in plastic material.

For example, the plastic material used to manufacture these two shells 12, 14 will comprise several layers whose structuring base can be in polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, or also another polymer. The structuring base will confer the mechanical resistance to said shells 12, 14. The plastic material can also comprise an oriented, or extruded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, for printing. This PET layer will contribute to the thermal resistance of said shells 12, 14. This PET layer will also contribute to the mechanical and thermal resistance to sealing along said joining plane 16 of said two shells 12, 14 to each other.

The layers making the sealing possible, in polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), will have peelability properties, making it possible for an easy opening of the packaging 10, both for children and for adults. By “opening of the packaging”, this means the passing from the rest position to the use position, in the sense of the invention.

The peelability force value will be advantageously adaptable; it will preferably be comprised between 4 and 25 N.

In order to improve the preservation of the food product, the plastic material used for the manufacturing of the two shells 12, 14 can also contain a gas-proof layer, for example an EVOH resin layer of the brand “EVAL” or “NIPPON GOSHEI”, and/or a light-proof layer, and/or a waterproof layer, and/or a water vapour-proof layer.

The material which will be used can also be decorated by an outer or inner printing, for example by a cello-enamel technology. Said material can have a finish going from shiny to mat, either by the coating of a varnish, or by the even nature of the film used for manufacturing said shells 12, 14.

The two shells 12, 14 can advantageously be presented in the form of two identical half-shells 12, 14, such that said inner space will present a volume equally distributed between the two shells 12, 14. The form with two identical half-shells 12, 14 makes it possible for an opening releasing half of the food product which makes it possible to hold the other half-shell, without separation, and for the user to hold the product in his mouth without having picked up the product with his fingers.

The two shells 12, 14 can advantageously be presented in the form of two different half-shells 12, 14 (embodiment example, not illustrated here). The inner space will thus present a volume, unequally distributed between the two shells 12, 14. For example, a first of said two shells will form a third of the overall volume of said inner space, whilst the second of the two shells will itself form two-thirds of the remaining volume of said inner space. This embodiment example, not illustrated, has the advantage of also facilitating the consumption of the dairy or cheese product 20 when the packaging is in the use position.

The two shells 12, 14 can advantageously form a sphere when the packaging 10 is in the rest position, this in the case of identical half-shells as in the case of non-identical shells. Thus, the portion of dairy or cheese product 20, once the two shells 12, 14 are disconnected from each other, will be presented in the form of a cheese ball.

The two shells 12, 14 can also present two substantially flat faces, said two faces being situated on either side of the plane of symmetry S: see FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c , 3 and 4. In these figures, said two faces extend according to a direction substantially parallel to said plane of symmetry S. Thus, the portion of product 20 will be presented in a solid wheel shape, or also in the form of a cylinder having a height corresponding to the thickness e.

In the cases presented directly above, the two shells 12, 14 will have an assembly having a circular shape in the plane of symmetry S.

According to a second embodiment example illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c , the packaging 10, in the rest position, will present an assembly having an almond shape in the plane of symmetry S. Thus, the portion of product 20 will be presented in an almond shape once the two shells 12, 14 disconnected from each other.

These shapes are not limiting and any other shape entering into the scope of the invention can be considered.

Advantageously, according to another additional example illustrated schematically in FIG. 5, the packaging 10, in the rest position, will have a triangular shape in the plane of symmetry S. Thus, the portion of product 20 will be presented in the shape of a triangular portion once the two shells 12, 14 are disconnected from each other.

The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing a food packaging 10, particularly for dairy or cheese products 20, for example the packaging 10 described above.

Said method will comprise the following steps:

a) thermoforming of at least one plastic film reel so as to obtain two hollow shells 12, 14, such as defined above,

b) sealing of the two shells 12, 14 along a joining plane 16 so as to form an inner space such as defined above, with creation of a dosing neck (the dosing neck is not illustrated here),

c) dosing, via said dosing neck, of the cheese product 20 so as to fill the space formed between the two shells 12, 14.

The thermoforming of step a) can be vertical or horizontal, carried out from one or two plastic film reels of a thickness which could vary from 200 to 500 μm. The plastic film will be advantageously compatible with a hot dosing.

The method of the invention is not limited to thermoforming.

Step a) of the method for manufacturing this packaging 10 can also be carried out by a plastic injection technology to form the two shells 12, 14 which will then be sealed to each other according to step b).

The sealing step b) will be carried out by conduction, by high frequency or by induction.

It is to be noted, that the dosing step—step c)—is carried out at a temperature greater than 70° C., particularly between 72° C. and 95° C., of 72° C. This temperature corresponds to a preferred pasteurisation temperature in the scope of dairy or cheese products 20 intended for the packaging 10.

It is to also to be noted that this dosing can be done on several tracks, particularly using a system which can have an up and down subjugation in order to ensure that all of the inner space is filled and, thus, avoid to have an incorporation of air inside the packaging 10, and more specifically inside the dairy or cheese product 20.

Said dosing can also be done under ultra-clean conditions to make it possible for a long preservation of the dairy or cheese product 20 (for example, greater than 6 months).

The method of the invention will further comprise the following steps:

d) sealing and closing of the neck,

e) cutting of the shells so as to form a sealing strip protruding from said shells 12, 14, at the level of the joining plane 16, outside of said inner space (see FIGS. 1b, 1c, 2b, 2c and 3).

Said cutting step e) will also make it possible to form tabs 18, 19 configured to actuate the passing of the packaging 10 from a rest position, in which the two shells 12, 14 are sealed to each other, to a use position, in which the two shells 12, 14 are separated. In other words, the tabs 18, 19, visible in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c , 3, 4 and 5 make it possible to open the packaging 10. They are not sealed to each other during step b) above, nor even during step d). Also, in other words, these tabs are easily separable from each other, particularly with the fingertips of a user, child or adult.

On the other hand, it is the action of separating the two shells 12, 14, by pulling on the tabs 18, 19 which makes it possible for an access to the portion of dairy or cheese product 20 contained inside the packaging 10.

More specifically, the sealing strip will be provided on a height of around 2 mm. The tabs 18, 19 will protrude from said shells 12, 14, in the direction opposite said inner space, on a distance greater than that of the sealing strip, this to ensure that they extend outside of this sealing strip; in other words, to ensure that they are free from each other from the end of said sealing strip.

It is to be noted that a step of cooling the product is provided after it has been hot dosed.

It is also to be noted, that the product is dosed, in liquid form, with a viscosity making it possible for the shell to be filled; it acquires a relative solidity after said cooling phase.

The packaging 10 of the invention obtained with said manufacturing method has the advantage of presenting a joining plane 16, or also a cutting plane, substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry S, which is arranged to as to make it possible for the separation of the two shells 12, 14, in order to ensure an easy access to a portion of dairy or cheese product which is a single and entire portion.

It is interesting to note that in the rest position, the packaging 10 of the invention presents a sealed closing. This closing may not be fully sealed, this without damaging the invention.

The packaging 10 of the invention will be particularly indicated for portions of dairy or cheese product which will be comprised between 5 and 30 g, preferably around 15 g. In other words, the packaging 10 of the invention will be particularly indicated for portions of dairy or cheese product which will be comprised between 5 and 30 ml.

It is also to be noted that the packaging 10 finds a specific application for a dairy or cheese product in the form of dairy, cheese, fromage frais or melted cheese speciality, prepared from raw dairy ingredients and flavouring ingredients (cheese, sugared or salted preparation, flavours), which can advantageously be represented up to 50% of said dairy or cheese product.

The product can also contain crunchy and visible ingredients, particularly with an aesthetic aim, and/or in the aim to obtain an original organoleptic signature (see reference 21 in FIG. 4).

It is also to be noted that other embodiment variants are also possible. Particularly, it can also be envisaged, in an embodiment example not illustrated here, the integration of a small complementary tool in the packaging, for example a spoon. An accessory or a pick, even a stick, can also be associated, in order to contribute to the total consumption of the product without contact with fingers.

It also can be envisaged that the dairy or cheese product is first moulded, then unmoulded, then placed again between two shells presenting the characteristics of those of the invention, the two shells being sealed together in second step along a joining plane such as that of the invention. This sealing can be done by any known technique, this without departing from the scope of the invention.

It is to be noted that the plastic material used to manufacture the shells will have, before to be shaped, the following characteristics:

-   -   a permeability to oxygen less than or equal to 1 cm³/m².d.atm         (measurement taken at 23° C. and at a rate of 50% relative         humidity); and/or     -   a permeability to water vapour less than or equal to 6 g/m².d         (measurement taken at 38° C. and at a rate of 90% relative         humidity).

It is also to be noted that the packaging 10 obtained according to the invention will preserve, advantageously, in positive cold and/or room temperature, for a limited duration of optimal use of at least 6 months. 

1. A food packaging, comprising two hollow shells, each of the two shells presenting a plane of symmetry and extending on a predefined depth and thickness, the packaging being configured to occupy a rest position, in which the two shells are sealed to each other along a joining plane so as to form a single inner space, intended to receive a portion of a cheese product occupying substantially all of said inner space, said joining plane being substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry, and a use position, wherein the two shells are separated so as to permit access to said portion of cheese product, wherein at least one of said two shells has a depth (p12, p14), measured in said plane of symmetry, that is greater than or equal to its thickness measured in said joining plane.
 2. The food packaging according to claim 1, wherein said two shells each have a depth measured in said plane of symmetry which is greater than or equal to its own thickness measured in said joining plane.
 3. The food packaging of claim 1, wherein said two shells are in plastic material.
 4. The food packaging claim 1, wherein the two shells are two identical half-shells, such that said inner space has a volume evenly distributed between the two shells.
 5. The food packaging claim 1, wherein in the rest position, the two shells form a sphere.
 6. The food packaging claim 1, wherein each of the two shells has two substantially flat faces, said two faces being situated on either side of the plane of symmetry, said two faces extending according to a direction substantially parallel to said plane of symmetry.
 7. The food packaging claim 6, wherein in the rest position, the two shells have an assembly having a circular shape in the plane of symmetry.
 8. The food packaging according to claim 6, wherein in the rest position, the two shells present an assembly having an almond shape in the plane of symmetry.
 9. A method for manufacturing a food packaging, comprising: a) thermoforming of at least one plastic film reel so as to obtain two hollow shells, each of two shells presenting a plane of symmetry and extending on a predefined depth and thickness, the depth of one of said two shells, measured in said plane of symmetry (S), being greater than or equal to its thickness measured in a plane orthogonal to said plane of symmetry, b) sealing of the two shells along a joining plane so as to form a single inner space, adapted to receive a portion of cheese product substantially occupying all of said inner space, with creation of a dosing neck, and c) dosing, via said dosing neck, the cheese product so as to fill all the space formed between the two shells.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the dosing is performed at a temperature greater than 70° C.
 11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: d) sealing and closing the neck, e) cutting the shells so as to form a sealing strip protruding from said shells, at the level of the joining plane, outside of said inner space, and furthermore so as to form the tabs configured to actuate the passing of the packaging from a rest position, in which the two shells are sealed to each other, to a use position, in which the two shells are separated.
 12. The food packaging according to claim 6, wherein in the rest position, the two shells present an assembly having a substantially triangular shape in the plane of symmetry.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the dosing is performed at a temperature between 72° C. and 95° C. 